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Emergency Response
A call from start to finish...
The Emergency
An emergency can be an upsetting and stressful episode for family members and lay
people who are involved. When a person realizes they have an emergency on their
hands, they have to make the decision to start Emergency Medical Services. Once the
"911" call is made, the county is required to provide an ambulance. An
emergency may be anything from a broken leg to someone experiencing chest pain.
The "911" Call
Salem County Emergency Services Dispatch, is manned around the clock and is reached by
dialing "911" from any phone in Salem County, Cellular or land line. The
dispatcher gets vital information from the caller and then dispatches the appropriate
services based on N.J. state guidelines. The dispatcher may give instructional
information in the event the caller should medically intervene to keep the person alive.
The dispatcher can also contact "Poison Control" or "Chemtrec" etc. in
the event more serious information is needed.
The dispatch
The S.C.E.S.D. dispatches the appropriate service based on municipal pre-planning, and
squad/fire co. setup. Pagers are used as a means of dispatching the service and
announcing the call location. A print out is sent to the Squad building that informs
the squad members of such things as call location, nearest streets, Dogs, Medications in
use, etc.
The Response
The squad personnel or duty crew assemble at the squad building and gear up for the
peticular call. A print out of the call information is already at the squad building
for the crew to use for directions and even more critical information provided by the
caller. The crew responds to the call and listens for any change in status.
The treatment
The crew arrives and treats the patient, gets vital information, and calls on advanced
services if necessary.
The transport
On the way to the medical facility, our crew monitors any changes and performs any
required medical treatment according to N.J. Dept. of Health guidelines. Our crew is in
contact with the medical facility while in route.
At the hospital
The hospital Emergency Room receives our patient and medical treatment is continued.
Information is conveyed to the E.R. staff and more advanced treatment is rendered if
necessary. The family is asked to register the patient and remain in the waiting
room until the physician allows visitors.
After the call
Our crew restocks the ambulance and finishes the paperwork. Returns the ambulance
to the hall and inspects it to make sure it is ready for the next call.
A typical call takes 45 to 50 minutes of time.
Until next time....
Each of our members have families, hobbies, chores and things to do just like you do.
Each member volunteers their time to take calls, attend meetings, attend classes to
keep certifications valid, clean vehicles, maintain equipment, maintain the hall,
etc.......
Each member receives no compensation for their time or effort. 
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